ATC 250es leaks oil where exhaust meets head!

[AussieATC]

Does anyone have any idea why?

-Thanks Alex

[Flyingw]

Its probably coming from the oval cover above the header pipe. These motors have a tendency to leak there. The oring under the oval cover doesnt seal well.

[AussieATC]

Should i tighten it?

[Flyingw]

No, replace the oring or coat the mating surfaces with a thin layer of sealant.

[AussieATC]

Nah its not that i wiped the oil off started it up but it leaks directly from where the exhaust connects to the head...

-Alex

[AussieATC]

164805

Heres a pic its a bit hard to see...

[Flyingw]

If thats the case then I suspect the valve stem seal is bad.

[AussieATC]

How would I replace it?

[Flyingw]

The head has to come off.

[AussieATC]

Looks like im back to work... hahaha

-Alex

[trike savior]

that ovel cover was a good start. are you sure that the valve cover is not leaking. it is that case that the oval cover mounts to. basically the top half of the head. it looks dry in pic but look before you assume valve seal.

[Flyingw]

Ya I agree. I think you should power wash the head real well and fire it up. the leak path should be very clear.

[AussieATC]

164813

Heres another photo and yeh cleaning it sounds good i will attempt it later.

[shovelryder]

Sure looks to me like it wicking down from the top of the motor????? I have an old harley.....LOL.....Ya learn to see trails.....

[barnett468]

Hello

IF you wiped off oil from the valve cover area before the photo the valve cover is obviously leaking. As shovelryder mentioned, your photo clearly shows old burnt oil stains where it was coming from the cover at some point and running down all over the head and cylinder fins, it's plain as day! Of course the gasket may have been replaced but if there was ANY oil on the TOP side of your fins ABOVE the uppermost level of the exhaust then the gasket is burnt to a crisp from prolonged exposure to heat.

It may also have a SMALL leak at the ex gasket which could be either guides, guide seals and/or piston rings but you should hear a slight ex leak if the ex gasket is leaking.

Does it smoke white or light blue gray smoke? If so you are burning oil and need to do a compression test before tear down then check cyl bore for out of round and taper if ok then deglaze before installing new rings.

[AussieATC]

I just realised the photo is upside down...